Nixon-era political targeting (1971-1974)
President Richard Nixon's aides compiled an 'enemies list' of political opponents and used the IRS, FBI, and other agencies to investigate and harass them. Nixon's White House also directed federal agencies to block investigations into the Watergate break-in.
The abuses were exposed in 1973-74, fueled the impeachment process, and Nixon resigned in August 1974.
Congress passed laws, including the Ethics in Government Act, to limit presidential power over prosecutors and prevent misuse of federal agencies against political critics.
It is the historical benchmark for a president directing federal investigative power at political opponents, and it shows the legal and political blowback such tactics can produce.
